By Burnett Munthali
Joseph Mwanamvekha, former Finance Minister, has voiced his concerns over several issues that he believes are affecting the economic welfare of the country. Among his criticisms, Mwanamvekha highlighted the government’s failure to honor its promise of creating jobs for Malawians, stating that instead of creating employment, the government has been laying off many workers.
“Instead of fulfilling its promise to create jobs, the government has been firing workers, which is a setback for the country’s employment prospects,” Mwanamvekha said. He further pointed out that the government’s failure to address this issue has led to an increase in the number of people seeking employment, with many facing uncertain futures.
Mwanamvekha also raised concerns about the large number of overseas trips made by President Lazarus Chakwera, citing that in the past four years, the President has made 60 trips abroad. He questioned the value of these trips, saying that the resources spent on these travels could be better invested in addressing the pressing needs of the country, including economic development and job creation.
“The President’s frequent trips abroad raise questions. Sixty overseas trips in four years seem excessive, especially when there are so many pressing issues at home that need attention. It’s time to focus on leading the country rather than prioritizing foreign engagements,” Mwanamvekha emphasized.
Additionally, Mwanamvekha criticized the government’s recent proposal to impose taxes on motorcycles and other vehicles, calling the idea unfair to ordinary Malawians. According to him, such taxes would further burden the people of Malawi, who are already struggling with high prices for basic goods and services. He argued that taxing motorcycles, which are used by many for livelihood purposes, would exacerbate the economic challenges faced by many citizens.
Mwanamvekha also raised concerns about the government’s policy of purchasing vehicles from abroad, noting that the leaders, including the President and the Vice President, continue to buy foreign cars even though many Malawians have already made their purchases. He argued that this approach was unsustainable and disconnected from the realities of the average Malawian, who cannot afford such luxury purchases.
“We cannot continue to tax the people while government officials are buying expensive cars from abroad. It is important for the government to lead by example and prioritize the needs of the people, rather than indulge in luxury items that only a few can afford,” he stated.
Mwanamvekha’s remarks reflect growing frustration with the current government’s economic policies, with many Malawians struggling to make ends meet as the cost of living continues to rise. His call for better economic management, job creation, and responsible spending resonates with the concerns of many citizens who are hoping for change in how the country is governed.
